Buzz off

A new weapon in the fight against Anti-social Behaviour is being fitted at a number of locations throughout the City during the coming weeks. These include a licensed premises on Hutton way, a food outlet at Briar Bank and an off licence located at Central Avenue. The initiative is funded by Carlisle and Eden Crime & Disorder Reduction Partnership.

Whilst calls relating to Anti-social behaviour are falling in the Carlisle area, agencies working together to combat the problem are aware of certain locations where problems still exist. The type of behaviour commonly experienced by communities includes noise from groups of youths, youths drinking and causing disorder and, on occasion, minor damage. Consequently a number of proactive methods are being employed to deal with the problems, including high profile police patrols and the installation of several mosquito units.

The Mosquito ultrasonic device is the solution that has been chosen. Acclaimed by Police forces of many areas of the United Kingdom, it has been described as ‘one of the most effective tool in the fight against anti-social behaviour’. The units have an effective range of between fifteen and twenty meters, it is non-invasive, that has been specifically designed to disperse groups of teenagers. It produces a signal close to the limit of hearing, in people up to the age of 25 years. Although the sound is not painful or damaging in anyway, it does become highly irritating after five to ten minutes exposure. The result is that the majority of under 25’s leave the immediate area, while those over 30, because of natural hearing loss or Presbycusis, (age related hearing loss), which affects the highest frequencies (18 to 20 kHz) are in the main unable to hear the noise.

Throughout Carlisle Anti-social behaviour incidents have fallen from 12315 incidents in 2006 / 07 to 9609 incidents during the same period in 2007 / 08, a drop of 22% between 1 April 2007 and 31 December 2007. Throughout Carlisle and District Anti-social behaviour incidents fell by a total 2706 incidents or 22%, interventions like the Mosquito linked to proactive policing have played a significant part in reducing these figures. The Mosquito situated at a takeaway on Kingmoor Road has already had a significant impact on anti-social behaviour issues in that area. With a reduction in the number of calls of service to the Police from 18 during a five month period between June 07 – October 07, to three calls of service during a three month period between November 07 – January 08.

Quotes

Mary Robinson, Chair of Carlisle & Eden CDRP said:

"the Mosquito is a short term intervention, designed to reduce anti-social behaviour. One of many successful solutions used to prevent nuisance behaviour throughout North Cumbria and is easily relocatable to deal with any prob. This type of device used in conjunction with youth engagement activities, and improved street lighting go a long way towards contributing to a better quality of life for all, and creating an environment where people can feel secure.

Cllr Judy Prest portfolio holder for Health and Wellbeing said:

‘’ the CDRP has through working in partnership with the local community significantly reduced Anti-social Behaviour. By installing devices like Mosquito we are showing that we will not tolerate our residents lives being made a misery and that we as a CDRP are serious about dealing with Anti-social Behaviour as part of the drive to make Carlisle a Cleaner, Greener and Safer place for all residents.’’

Cllr Colin Stothard said on behalf of the Yewdale ward Councillors:

 ‘’I am sure that the introduction of the mosquito will have a significant impact on anti-social behaviour and criminal damage and will be warmly welcomed by local people.

Cllr David Morton said on behalf of the Belah ward Councillors:

‘’The introduction of the mosquito at the food outlet at Briar Bank will help prevent the types of anti-social behaviour that have plagued the owner of the business and local residents alike. Another proactive example of what can be achieved through partnership working to deal with local issue s that affect local people.’’

Cllr Carole Rutherford said on behalf of the Harraby ward councillors:

 ‘‘The introduction of the Mosquito at Central Avenue will reassure local people and deal with what has become a significant nuisance to both the business itself and to residents alike. The CDRP working in partnership with the Police and local residents are taking a proactive step in dealing with this local issue and this approach is very welcome.’’